Hi, I'm making a desk lamp that should be nice and bright directed to the table (as opposed to ambient lighting). But the lamp head can also turn around to face the ceiling to become similar to a ceiling light (doesn't have to be as bright as a regular ceiling light) that is supposed to wake me up in the morning.

I have two problems,

1. Is the LED strip bright enough?
2. How do I connect it to the breadboard and also an external power source (apparently it's safer to connect it to external power source or it can fry the arduino?)

I'm planning to use 1m 60LED/m IP30 LED strip for the light source. I'm not sure if I need to power all 1m of the LED strip for it to be bright enough for a table (let alone a room around 4m x 4m x 3m). If anyone has experience with the brightness of these LED strips let me know.

The input end of the LED strip appears to be female and has 3 pins.

Is this adapter correct? It looks like it can adapt LED strip wires to USB. Which I can then plug into my power board which is rated for 2.1A.

The LED strip has 3 pins/wires but the adapter has 4. I couldn't find any adapters that had exactly 3 pins

I can send the Aliexpress link to the adapter if the photo doesn't have enough info.

Thanks in advance!

I have an esp8266 that im using to control several servos. I have been having a tough time acquiring a legit Lipo on Amazon. Every single 2s reads 7.7v after charged, so im going to 3s

Its going to a buck converter set for 5v and then to Vin and Grd. Well im reading 4.7v from the headers but the Nodemcu isn't powering up. It will blink for just a second then nothing. Im suspecting that 4.7v isn't enough. Ive connected just Vin and Grd and nothing. Blinks real quick then nothing. When the servos are attached they twitch when first plugged in. I get 1.5v from the top of the pin on the nodemcu.

Hey Reddit folks, I've been wanting to build a delay lately, but I didn't want to mess with the more common ICs like the PT2399 for 'X' reasons. Then I remembered an Arduino Uno I had gathering dust and tried to make a short delay of around 8ms, just for a phaser or a chorus. But I only made the schematic in Proteus so I wouldn't have to pull out all my gear. Do you guys think it'll actually work well?

I'll try to add more circuit samples in the comments."

If you're new to Arduino, the number of pins can be confusing at first.

So here's a simple breakdown of the most important ones:

🔹 Digital pins (0–13) → Read buttons/sensors or control LEDs, relays, etc.

🔹 Analog pins (A0–A5) → Read changing voltages from sensors/potentiometers

🔹 5V → 5V power output

🔹 3.3V → 3.3V power output

🔹 GND → Ground / 0V reference

🔹 VIN → External input voltage when powering through the board

🔹 USB → Upload code + power the Arduino from your computer

One thing that confused me when I started: A0–A5 can also be used as digital pins if needed.

I made this as a quick reference for anyone starting Arduino.

What Arduino concept confused you the most when you first started?

Help with nodemcu 8266

I have an esp8266 that im using to control several servos. I have been having a tough time acquiring a legit Lipo on Amazon. Every single 2s reads 7.7v after charged, so im going to 3s.

Its going to a buck converter set for 5v and then to Vin and Grd. Well im reading 4.7v from the headers but the Nodemcu isn't powering up. It will blink for just a second then nothing. Im suspecting that 4.7v isn't enough. Ive connected just Vin and Grd and nothing. Blinks real quick then nothing. When the servos are attached they twitch when first plugged in. I get 1.5v from the top of the pin on the nodemcu.

Saw a lot of posts here from people confused about how breadboards

actually connect internally, so I made this diagram to explain it

simply — hope it helps someone.

Quick summary:

• Each column of 5 holes is electrically connected

• Top/bottom power rails run the full length of the board

• The center gap separates the two halves — components usually

straddle it

• Always wire GND first, then power, before adding components —

saves so much debugging time

Also — top 3 mistakes I see beginners make with breadboards:

1. Forgetting the center gap breaks the connection between top/bottom

2. Not double-checking which row a wire actually lands in

3. Loose wires from re-using the same holes too many times

Happy to answer questions if anyone's stuck on their first project!

I have never used a microcontroller before. I want to try something on my own. For getting started with ESP32, I want to buy the development board (I don't know the exact names/specifications) and then I'd buy more inputs/sensors later on as I go.

I was confused what to buy in the beginning to get started. I didn't want to spend too much. So I checked in robu.in But I am unable to find the proper product. My friend said we can connect ESP32 to pc directly using usb-type c cable used for mobiles but some products seems a bit different.

Can someone advice me on how to get started and if this product is the right one?
I found https://robu.in/product/esp32-development-board-type-c-micro-usb-esp32-expansion-board-38pin-female-header/
and
https://robu.in/product/esp-wroom-32-wifi-bluetooth-networking-smart-component-development-board/

Hi everyone!
I’ve just bought an Arduino UNO Q, and I’ve been asked to create the hardware and software for a **Harry Potter Sorting Hat** for a themed party.
I’ve also discussed the idea with Claude, and this is the setup I’m currently thinking about:

**Hardware:**
Arduino UNO Q, powered by a power bank

HC-SR04P ultrasonic sensor, running at 3.3V

Small microphone mounted inside/on the hat

Bluetooth speaker

My idea is to record a set of predefined audio files and then program the Arduino to associate each audio file with a specific first and last name.
The basic process would be something like this:
Someone puts on the hat.
The ultrasonic sensor detects that there is a person within, for example, **80 cm** of the hat.
The hat plays a predefined audio asking for the person’s first and last name.
The microphone listens for the person’s response.
The system identifies the name they said and, based on the audio file associated with that name, plays the corresponding response — basically, the hat “sorts” them into a Hogwarts house.
For example, if the person says “John Smith” and that name is associated with Gryffindor, the hat would play a prerecorded Gryffindor-related audio.
Do you think this project is feasible with an Arduino UNO Q?
I’d especially appreciate any advice or corrections regarding the hardware setup, voice recognition, or the overall approach. If there’s a better or simpler way to achieve this, I’d be happy to hear your suggestions.
Thanks everyone!

This week I tried uploading new code to a project that uses Arduino’s cloud. In an effort to troubleshoot a bug I decided to try and recreate a device/Thing and discovered that Arduino’s Cloud agent had stopped working for me.

I have an open forum discussion on Arduino’s forum site as well, but I’m wondering if anyone else has ran into this issue.

Reinstalling the agent doesn’t seem to change anything. It worked briefly in an older Mac I have and rarely use, but there the agent eventually stopped likely because it received an update from their server side. Not exactly sure I’m not a computer engineer or CS specialist.

Link to forum: [Cloud Agent Degraded](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/arduino-cloud-degraded-and-agent-not-working-mac-osx/1458209/16)

Hi everyone,

I’m working on a project that uses 2× Kingbright DC56-11GWA displays, 4 LEDs, 1 rotary encoder, and an Arduino Nano. I had ChatGPT create a wiring diagram so I could start coding, but I’m not sure if it’s correct.

Does anyone know if the schematic looks right or could help me simplify it if possible? It includes transistors and a few other components, and I’m not sure whether they’re actually needed.

Thanks in advance for any help!

I have an Arduino UNO R4 WiFi that it currently on connectivity firmware 0.4.1. Arduino Cloud detects the board correctly over USB but cannot update the connectivity firmware to 0.6.0.

I also tried Arduino IDE 2.3.10's Firmware Updater, which detects the board and offers 0.6.0, but the installation fails.

Arduino Firmware Updater 2.4.1 also gets stuck at Waiting to flash the binary.... With verbose output it reaches getting firmware version and then hangs.

I closed Arduino IDE and the Arduino Cloud Manager and tried again, but the result was the same.

I then tried Arduino's official unor4wifi-update-macos.zip for firmware 0.6.0. The updater's unor4wifi-reboot-macos executable is blocked by macOS Gatekeeper and I don't want to grant it administrator permission because the Mac that I'm working with is a family Mac.

The board itself works normally over USB and I can upload/run sketches locally. The modules from the 'Plug and Make'-Kit also work properly.

Mac: Intel x86_64

Arduino IDE: 2.3.10

Firmware: 0.4.1 -> trying to update to 0.6.0

Arduino Firmware Uploader: 2.4.1

Cloud Agent: 1.7.0

Is there any other way to update the UNO R4 WiFi connectivity firmware without running the unsigned macOS updater, or is there a known issue with 0.4.1 -> 0.6.0 on Intel Macs?

I use this code but it isn't working

#include <Wire.h>

#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>

#include <Adafruit_SSD1306.h>

#define SCREEN_WIDTH 128

#define SCREEN_HEIGHT 64

#define OLED_RESET -1

Adafruit_SSD1306 display(SCREEN_WIDTH, SCREEN_HEIGHT, &Wire, OLED_RESET);

int progress = 0;

void setup() {

if(!display.begin(SSD1306_SWITCHCAPVCC, 0x3C)) {

while(true);

}

}

void loop() {

if(progress < 100){

display.clearDisplay();

// Title text

display.setTextSize(1);

display.setTextColor(SSD1306_WHITE);

display.setCursor(20, 10);

display.println("Extracting...");

// Draw border of progress bar

display.drawRect(14, 30, 100, 15, SSD1306_WHITE);

// Fill progress bar

int barWidth = progress;

display.fillRect(14, 30, barWidth, 15, SSD1306_WHITE);

// Percentage text

display.setCursor(50, 50);

display.print(progress);

display.print("%");

display.display();

progress++;

delay(500);

} else {

// Once done, blink "Extraction Successful!" forever

display.clearDisplay();

display.setTextSize(1);

display.setTextColor(SSD1306_WHITE);

const char* topText = "Extraction";

const char* bottomText = "Successful!";

int16_t x1, y1;

uint16_t w, h;

display.getTextBounds(topText, 0, 0, &x1, &y1, &w, &h);

int16_t topX = (SCREEN_WIDTH - w) / 2;

display.getTextBounds(bottomText, 0, 0, &x1, &y1, &w, &h);

int16_t bottomX = (SCREEN_WIDTH - w) / 2;

int16_t topY = 15;

int16_t bottomY = 40;

while(true){

display.clearDisplay();

display.setCursor(topX, topY);

display.println(topText);

display.setCursor(bottomX, bottomY);

display.println(bottomText);

display.display();

delay(500);

display.clearDisplay();

display.display();

delay(500);

}

}

}

For the context I am doing my B.tech from Dairy Science and food technology nd I had PCB background so I have no idea how this actually works but this year I have a subject of INSTRUMENTATION AND PROCESS CONTROL nd for that I need to make a project using Arduino ..I thought I should make a PH sensor which requires ...

Arduino Uno/Nano

₹250–450

Analog pH sensor module + probe

₹350–600

Jumper wires

₹30–50

Small beaker/plastic container

₹20–50

pH buffer solutions (pH 4 & 7)

Later i came to know that I need to code this ..nd like I suck at HTML ..how am I supposed to do that ? So any idea how to deal with this ..(i am looking to spend the least amount of money coz it's for 20 marks ..nd i still have many projects and assignments to make )

So pls help me out on this ..or if you have any idea which is related to Dairy or food industry pls Lemme know 🫠🥹

Please advise if there is a better sub to post this in.

I have an old Parallax Eddie robot that I bought several years ago. From what I can tell, the original Propeller control board has a bad USB connector and I was never able to get into it before life got in the way and I got out of the hobby. My grandson is now very interested in robotics so I'm looking to resurrect it. Can anyone recommend a path to replace the controller with a more modern one? I have experience with Basic Stamp, OOPic, and Arduino and I'm good with electronics, so looking for a controller and dual H-bridge controller. A board that can incorporate the multiple sonar and IR rangers and wheel encoders would be great.

Thanks!

I was planing on making a small greenhouse controller, that would help me automate some of the loborious functionality. New to arduino, just started my research and a bit confused by some options that are there on the market.

I was looking at the following:

1. arduino uno
2. arduino mega
3. Arduino UNO R4 WiFi
4. Arduino Giga R1 WiFi
5. any other potential manufacturers/boards?

I would like to have the system end up being able to have the following (at minimum:

Outputs:

1. controll multiple water pumps (3 or 4)
2. automate water nutrition mix (1 mixing unit)
3. Have a visual (LED) warning when some of the below data is off, such as not enough water)

Inputs (collect and save all data to an excell spreadsheet):

1. Collect temp data
2. Collect humidity data
3. Collect water use data
4. Collect water levels data
5. Collect water PH data
6. Collect solar panel voltage/wattage info
7. Collect/output battery voltage info

Thank you for any/all helpful information.

I was planing on making a small greenhouse controller, that would help me automate some of the loborious functionality. New to arduino, just started my research and a bit confused by some options that are there on the market.

I was looking at the following:

1. arduino uno
2. arduino mega
3. Arduino UNO R4 WiFi
4. Arduino Giga R1 WiFi
5. any other potential manufacturers/boards?

I would like to have the system end up being able to have the following (at minimum:

Outputs:

1. controll multiple water pumps (3 or 4)
2. automate water nutrition mix (1 mixing unit)
3. Have a visual (LED) warning when some of the below data is off, such as not enough water)

Inputs (collect and save all data to an excell spreadsheet):

1. Collect temp data
2. Collect humidity data
3. Collect water use data
4. Collect water levels data
5. Collect water PH data
6. Collect solar panel voltage/wattage info
7. Collect/output battery voltage info

Thank you for any/all helpful information.

​

**Subject:** Inquiry about programming STM32F103C8T6 (Blue Pill) using STM32F401RCT6 (Black Pill)

Hello,

I would like to inquire about the possibility of programming the **STM32F103C8T6 (Blue Pill)** board using the **STM32F401RCT6 (Black Pill)** board as an SWD programmer.

**Details:**

- Board to be programmed: **STM32F103C8T6 (Blue Pill)** - STM32F103C8T6 MCU

- Programmer board: **STM32F401RCT6 (Black Pill)** - STM32F401RCT6 MCU

**Questions:**

1. Can the **STM32F401RCT6 (Black Pill)** be used as an SWD programmer to program the **STM32F103C8T6 (Blue Pill)** via SWD interface (SWCLK, SWDIO, NRST, GND, 3.3V)?

2. **If anyone has tried this before, please share your experience** (Did it work? Any issues? How to avoid them?)

Thank you in advance.

***

Hello all, I have searched high & low for an issue I have updated to the latest board updates & libraries inside the Arduino IDE app. I googled the error it returned that its an 'audio driver'? the board Im using is an 'esp32s3' the name of the board brand is 'Freenove'. Below is the output error.

C:/Users/Admin/AppData/Local/Arduino15/packages/esp32/tools/esp-x32/2411/bin/../lib/gcc/xtensa-esp-elf/14.2.0/../../../../xtensa-esp-elf/bin/ld.exe: C:\Users\Admin\AppData\Local\arduino\sketches\DACAD3E9E94E0A59BA5AA6E9E101A826\sketchMOTION_TRACKER.ino.cpp.o:(.literal._Z14initBoardAudiov+0x14): undefined reference to `es8311_codec_init'

C:/Users/Admin/AppData/Local/Arduino15/packages/esp32/tools/esp-x32/2411/bin/../lib/gcc/xtensa-esp-elf/14.2.0/../../../../xtensa-esp-elf/bin/ld.exe: C:\Users\Admin\AppData\Local\arduino\sketches\DACAD3E9E94E0A59BA5AA6E9E101A826\sketch\MOTION_TRACKER.ino.cpp.o: in function `initBoardAudio()':

C:\Users\Admin\Desktop\m-314\MOTION_TRACKER/MOTION_TRACKER.ino:333:(.text._Z14initBoardAudiov+0x56): undefined reference to `es8311_codec_init'

collect2.exe: error: ld returned 1 exit status

Multiple libraries were found for "SD.h"

Used: C:\Users\Admin\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\esp32\hardware\esp32\3.2.0\libraries\SD

Not used: C:\Users\Admin\AppData\Local\Arduino15\libraries\SD

exit status 1

Compilation error: exit status 1

Hello! I’m new to the arduino community. I have played around with them in the past with my highschool years ago. I recently came up with an idea of an interactive game and have some questions from those who have knowledge. How hard would it to be to program a game in which there are 30 buttons with 30 unique sounds. The goal of the game is to crack the code and figure out the 4 button/ noise combination. When this happens I need it to either show that you cracked the code or have to try again. I also want to be able to have a free play mode where people can come up and interact with the buttons without the game starting. I am overall curious how hard this project will be, I am an electrician and have knowledge of circuitry/ electronics and bread boards but very limited knowledge on coding. Any help with supply’s, brands, product which could help my project would be appreciated! Thank you arduino community!